Central Locking Sensor Cleaning?

[Stamey]

I already searched, but did not see this addressed.
Recently my central locking system stopped working when normally locking the driver's door. The only way it will work is if I go all the way to "dead-bolt" position. Can the sensor on the driver's door lock be cleaned and/or adjusted, or will I need to replace something?

Going to search for the answer to the strobe-light signal problem now....

Thanks,
Chris

[BMWJNKY]

First off, stop putting it all the way to dead bolt if the locks are orginal or pretty old. There is a good chance that it will get stuck there and you will be screwed. It sounds like you need a new lock cylinder and maybe a new micro switch. There is nothing to clean to make it work again, chances are it is just old and worn out.

[Stamey]

OK, pulled the driver's door apart today. Pulled the lock actuator out. Sounds like the microswitches are working.
Here are the symptoms:
Trunk lock and unlock, all doors work.
Driver's door lock, no other doors lock.
Driver's door deadbolt, all doors lock.
Driver's door unlock, all doors unlock.
Passenger door lock, or unlock, no other doors lock or unlock.
Pulled lock actuator from the driver's door of a parts car I have, and no change, same behavior.

I disected the parts car actuator so I could see the microswitch. It looks good to me, but does not have voltage to it when connected ot the car, as measured with a test light. I wonder if this gives any clues.

I don't want to buy an actuator until I can be sure that's the problem.

Thanks,
Chris